Due to the heaviest rainfall in their history and the resulting floods that ensued, thousands of families were in grave difficulty. They were stranded in villages that were completely engulfed by miles of water. Large numbers of people lost their homes and were living in the open with no food. 

 

There was a desperate need to provide food parcels and temporary shelter to the victims during this tough time. 

 

With the help of Zahra Academy Pakistan who were an active ground team, BCT gave a grant to purchase food parcels. A total of 334 families were assisted with this grant in the villages of Athara Hazari, Tehsil and Ahmedpur Sial in the district of Jhang. These were the most devastated rural areas of southern Punjab which were totally overcome by the flood waters; standing crops on thousands of acres of land were completely submerged and destroyed, homes were washed away and livestock drowned. The majority of the inhabitants of these areas are simple cultivators farming the land on a contractual bases and their livelihoods were completely destroyed by the floods. 

 

Most of the roadways were washed away by floodwater and the water still remains in many places so delivering the food parcels was difficult but, through the perseverance of volunteers, the victims received their food relief. 

 

Consequently BCT was able to contribute more to the relief effort then first anticipated and funded the purchase of a further 1200  food parcels that were distributed in 17 areas in the south of Punjab thus  helping even more distressed flood victims. 

 

The destruction caused by this natural disaster is beyond belief and much more work is required to restore some semblance of normality in the affected areas. BCT will continue to offer support and help wherever needed. 

 

(IFRC, 8 Sep 2014) 

(Pakistan RCS, 18 Sep 2014)